Living in Moraga CA is desirable, especially for families, as the schools in town are excellent, and the crime rate is very low. Moraga is close to San Francisco, yet far enough away to maintain its quiet, rural atmosphere. Residents in Moraga have a strong sense of community, as is showcased by the number of festivals and events the town hosts every year. Natural beauty surrounds the town, with rolling hills, parks, and ample trails that provide many opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Moraga was named for Joaquin Moraga, the grandson of José Joaquín Moraga, builder of the Presidio of San Francisco. Moraga’s first post office opened in 1886, and the town was incorporated in 1974. You’ll love the many amenities and rural feel when living in Moraga CA.
What County Is Moraga CA In?
Moraga is a town located in Contra Costa County and is part of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Where Is Moraga, CA?
Moraga is just a short drive of 13 miles east of Oakland and a 22-mile drive east of San Francisco. Thanks to the easy access to San Fran via the BART station, many commute for work. Moraga is situated in a valley and surrounded by beautiful hills. Neighboring towns include Walnut Creek, Lafayette, and Danville. You’ll also be in close proximity to Berkeley and Emeryville.
Map of Moraga California
Looking for suburban tranquility? You’ll find it in this close-knit community. Check out more about Moraga’s location in this map:
Moraga CA Population and Demographics
There are 16,870 people living in Moraga CA. Moraga residents have significant Asian heritage, with over one-fifth of the population identifying as Asian. The most prevalent groups include those from East Asia and South Asia, with the largest communities hailing from China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and South Korea. Many residents enjoy the family-friendly environment and suburban feel in this community.
Moraga Race & Ethnicity
Here is the race and ethnicity breakdown of those living in Moraga CA:
- White alone 63.8%
- Black or African American alone 0.9%
- American Indian and Native Alaskan alone 0.0%
- Asian alone 22.2%
- Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone 0.1%
- Two or more races 9.9%
- Hispanic 9.2%
- White alone, not Hispanic or Latino, 61.2%
An Overview of Moraga’s Demographics:
- Population density: 1,800 per square mile
- Median age: 41.4
- Sex ratio: 48.3% males, 51.7% females
- Median household income: $199,800
- Educational attainment: 99.2% high school degree or higher, 81.0% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 19.1%
- Veteran population: 516
Is Moraga CA safe?
Moraga is a safe place to live, and the Moraga Police Department, with its 12 sworn officers, is dedicated to keeping the town safe by providing excellent service to residents and visitors alike. The crime rate in Moraga is 58% lower than the national average. There are about 956 crimes per 100,000 people in Moraga. Violent crime rates are 67% lower than the national average, with about 120 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
Moraga CA Cost of Living
The cost of living in Moraga CA is 139% higher than the national average and 99% higher than the California state average. The real estate Moraga CA offers is pretty high. In fact, housing costs are the biggest contributor to the cost of living in Moraga CA. Housing costs are 321% higher than the state average. The median sale price of homes for sale in Moraga CA is $1,410,000, and the average price per square foot is $813. Check out the many current homes for sale Moraga CA offers.
The average rent for Moraga CA apartments is $1,768 per month, 12% higher than the national average of $1,576 per month. By comparison, residents in San Francisco pay about $3,397 a month on average, and Oakland residents pay around $2,581 a month. Check out the many apartments and Moraga CA houses for rent on RentCafe.
Another thing to keep in mind is how much your taxes will be. The Moraga CA sales tax is 9.75%.
Typical Moraga Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $30.00
- Domestic beer: $8.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $5.46
- Dozen eggs: $6.71
- 1 pound of chicken: $6.75
- Average Moraga monthly utility bill: $277.25
Source: Numbeo, Oakland
The Best Neighborhoods in Moraga
Moraga offers a diverse range of housing options, including modern high-rise apartments, single-family homes, and everything in between. Finding your new home in one of Moraga’s distinct neighborhoods should be a breeze. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Moraga:
Rheem
A large community, mostly made up of ranch-style, single-family homes. The neighborhood is just minutes from downtown Moraga, offering an array of restaurants and local shops. Part of the Saint Mary’s College Moraga CA campus is located in Rheem.
Campolindo
A small community of modern, upscale homes that average in price well above $1 million. Luxury amenities include the Campolindo Cabana Swim Club, home to the Campolindo swim team. The pool is owned by the Campolindo Homeowners Association and offers free swim time, a lap pool, a game shed, and a playground to residents. Campolindo High School is an A+-rated public school in the community.
Sonsara
The neighborhood is made up of ranch-style and split-level homes in the $1-2 million range. The community borders Orinda Oaks Park, and several hiking trails are nearby, offering scenic views of Mt. Diablo. The community also offers access to the luxurious Moraga Country Club.
Moraga CA Weather & Climate
Moraga has a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and cool winters. The average yearly temperatures are typically between 65°F and 75°F. Summers are typically dry and sunny, with daytime temperatures ranging between 65-85 degrees. Winters are usually cool and wet, with daytime temperatures ranging from a low of 40 to a high of 60.
Moraga gets an average of 24 inches of rain annually, mostly during the winter months. Those living in Moraga CA won’t need snow clothes. It doesn’t snow in Moraga, but the sun does shine a lot. On average, Moraga experiences 260 sunny days per year. The US average is 205 sunny days. The best time to visit Moraga is from late June to late September.
Things to Do in Moraga CA
Living in Moraga CA will never be boring! Moraga offers a variety of fun and entertaining things to do for families, adults, and kids. In addition, enjoy convenient shopping at Rheem Valley Shopping Center, Moraga Shopping Center, and Broadway Plaza. Here are some of the top things to do in Moraga:
Rancho Laguna Park
Rancho Laguna Park is a popular park on the outskirts of town that features tot lots, swings, picnic areas, an amphitheater, and lots of green space, set among trees and surrounded by rolling hills. The park also includes an off-leash dog run area and the 2,600 square-foot Monarch and Pollinator Habitat and Demonstration Garden, with over 600 plants.
2101 Camino Pablo, Moraga, CA 94556, (925) 376-2520
Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art
Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art features a permanent collection of over 5,000 pieces that include 19th-century landscapes, works by late 19th and early 20th-century Bay Area painters and printmakers and works by Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Henri Matisse. It’s a must-visit at least once while living in Moraga CA.
1928 St Marys Rd PMB 5110, Moraga, CA 94556, (925) 631-4379
Captain Vineyards Winery
Captain Vineyards is a family-owned and operated, small-batch winery growing red French varieties that are aged, pressed, and bottled on-site. Taste one-ounce samples paired with carefully selected artisanal cheeses, homemade bread, and an assortment of nuts.
1969 Joseph Dr, Moraga, CA 94556, (925) 330-2440
Additional Attractions Near Moraga, CA:
If you’re still looking for things to do while living in Moraga CA, the town offers exceptional parks and open spaces, as well as recreational opportunities for all ages. Moraga Commons is a 40.2-acre park that features bocce ball, a disc golf course, picnic areas, playgrounds, sand volleyball, a skate park, and a splash area.
Mulholland Ridge Open Space Preserve is a 260-acre park offering stunning views of the valley and Mount Diablo, as well as trails that connect to the Hacienda de las Flores Park and the Orinda trail network.
Moraga CA Restaurants
The variety of dining options in Moraga includes cafes, burger joints, bistros, Italian, Chinese, and more. Here are some of the most popular dining establishments in Moraga:
La Finestra Ristorante
La Finestra is a family-owned and operated Sicilian/Italian restaurant. The menu features authentic dishes, including seafood, pasta, poultry, and meat. They are open for lunch and dinner every day except Monday. Enjoy live piano music, a full bar, and indoor or outdoor seating.
1419 Moraga Way, Moraga, CA 94556, (925) 376-4444
Ranch House Cafe
Ranch House is a classic American diner, complete with vintage décor and a charming atmosphere. All their dishes are made using fresh ingredients. The expansive menu includes breakfast burritos, pancakes, the Monte Cristo sandwich, huevos rancheros, and much more. Check it out while living in Moraga CA.
1012 School St, Moraga, CA 94556, (925) 376-5127
Nation’s Giant Hamburgers
Nation’s is a classic burger joint that takes you back to the 1950s. The name says it all. Their old-fashioned hamburgers are topped with crisp iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. But Nation’s isn’t just about hamburgers. They also serve delicious pies, breakfast burritos, and more!
400 Park St, Moraga, CA 94556, (925) 376-8888
Jobs in Moraga CA
For those living in Moraga CA, there are plenty of job opportunities. The major industries in Moraga include education and healthcare. The city’s proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area offers many more employment possibilities.
One of the major employers in Moraga is Kaiser Permanente, a large nonprofit health system and health plan that provides high-quality, affordable care to its members. They operate hospitals, medical offices, and specialty clinics across multiple states. The company has 6,900 employees near Moraga and over 235,000 nationwide.
Other top employers in Moraga include Chevron, Clorox, Tesla, and Lam Research. If you’re looking for a job in Moraga, take a look at job openings on Indeed and the Town of Moraga job opportunities.
Schools in Moraga CA
Many families are moving to Moraga because of the amazing schools. The highly-ranked Moraga School District serves the majority of Moraga. The city is known for its excellent schools, especially elementary schools.
The district has four schools: Camino Pablo Elementary, Los Perales Elementary, Donald L. Rheem Elementary, and Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School (which is the town’s middle school for those living in Moraga CA, and surrounding towns).
The Moraga School District provides the foundation for students to reach their highest potential through a supportive and challenging academic environment that encourages critical and creative thinking and maximizes individual students’ strengths and differences.
A small portion of students living in Moraga CA are zoned to the Orinda Union Elementary School District, one of the highest-achieving school districts in California. Their student-centered learning engages students with an innovative, challenging curriculum that inspires curiosity and academic growth.
Moraga High School students are zoned to Campolindo High in the Acalanes Union High School District. Campolindo is rated the #1 high school in Contra Costa County.
Moraga is a hidden gem with highly rated schools in the private and charter sectors. Some of the top-rated schools in Moraga include Orinda Academy, Noble Learning Academy, and Sonder Creek Academy.
If you are looking for colleges while living in Moraga CA, some great options include Saint Mary’s College of California, Samuel Merritt University, the University of California, Berkeley, Northeastern University Oakland, and Contra Costa College.
The Moraga Library, part of the Contra Costa County Library system, is a great place to spend a day. The library has books, magazines, newspapers, ebooks, audiobooks, movies, music, and more. Check out the events calendar for a wide variety of events aimed at children, teens, adults, and seniors living in Moraga CA.
Moraga CA Statistics & Information
- Moraga CA county: Contra Costa County
- Area: 9.45 square miles
- Moraga zip code: 94556, 94570, 94575
- Area code: 925
- Elevation: 499 feet
- Time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
- Closest airport: Oakland International Airport, 21.5 miles
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